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Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences School of Health Professions

Prospective Students

Interested in genetic counseling?

Let us know how we can help. Complete the prospective student interest form below.

Complete Prospective Student Interest Form

Shadowing

Research Study

The UAB Genetic Counseling Program has developed an online genetic counseling shadowing experience consisting of eight cases in a variety of clinical specialties. This shadowing experience will allow you to experience both patient and non-patient facing roles of a genetic counselor.

We are looking for individuals to participate in a research study that evaluates if this virtual shadowing experience increases knowledge of and interest in the genetic counseling profession. Participants who complete all surveys associated with the study will receive a $10 gift card.

Join Research StudyOpens an external link.

If you have any questions about this research project, please contact the primary investigator, Jessica Denton, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Shadowing a genetic counselor is a great way to learn more about the genetic counseling field. Learn more about shadowing opportunities at UAB and surrounding areas.

  • UAB Genetic Counseling Shadowing

    Shadowing opportunities at UAB can be limited. Shadowers will be allowed to observe in two different clinics that are typically one-half day in length. Available clinics include: cancer genetics, prenatal genetics, pediatric genetics, and some specialty clinics.

    UAB Genetic Counseling Clinics typically accept student shadowers May-August and in December. After you complete the required materials, you will be added to a waiting list and contacted when shadowing opportunities are available.

    Shadowing Requirements

    Year in School TB Skin Test Flu Shot
    Must be a rising junior or senior at an undergraduate institution or graduated from an undergraduate institution Documentation of a negative TB skin test from within the past 6 months Documentation of a flu shot received in the past year
    COVID-19 Vaccination Other Vaccinations HIPAA Training
    Documentation of COVID-19 vaccination card. At least two doses are required. Documentation of immunization or have titers drawn for: varicella, measles, and hepatitis B Complete UAB HIPAA training and provide certificate of completion. If you have a UAB email address and password, follow this link. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are not affiliated with UAB for instructions.
    Student Interest Form Resume or CV Previous Shadowing Experience
    Complete the student interest form. Submit a resume or CV that includes educational background and any volunteer or work experiences Provide a brief summary of any previous genetic counseling shadowing experience to date. You can include this information when you submit requirements using the link below. A separate document is not required
    • Year in School - Must be a rising junior or senior at an undergraduate institution or graduated from an undergraduate institution
    • TB Skin Test - Documentation of a negative TB skin test from within the past 6 months
    • Flu Shot - Documentation of a flu shot received in the past year
    • COVID-19 Vaccination - Documentation of COVID-19 vaccination card. At least two doses are required.
    • Other Vaccinations - Documentation of immunization or have titers drawn for: varicella, measles, and hepatitis B.
    • HIPAA Training - Complete UAB HIPAA training and provide certificate of completion. If you have a UAB email address and password, follow this link. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are not affiliated with UAB for instructions.
    • Student Interest Form - Complete the student interest form.
    • Resume or CV - Submit a resume or CV that includes educational background and any volunteer or work experiences.
    • Previous Shadowing Experience - Provide a brief summary of any previous genetic counseling shadowing experience to date. You can include this information when you submit requirements using the link below. A separate document is not required.

    Use the link below to submit the shadowing requirements. Only submit the form after all requirements have been met. If all materials are received, you will receive a confirmation email with further instructions.

    Submit shadowing requirements

  • Regional Genetic Counseling Shadowing
    • HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL - Email Meagan Cochran at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in shadowing. HudsonAlpha also offers a variety of summer internships, including an internship in genetic counseling.
    • Clearview Cancer Institute, Huntsville, AL - Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make a shadow request. Provide name, year in school, and potential dates of interest. CCI has shadowing paperwork that needs to be filled out before the shadow date, but that will be sent to the shadower once a date is confirmed.
    • Spencer Cancer Center, Opelika, AL - Reach out to Cindy Darby to learn more about shadowing opportunities. Her email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and her phone number is 334-528-1261.
    • Mitchell Cancer Institute, Mobile, AL - Email Cassie Gurganus at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more about shadowing opportunities.
    • University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS - Email or call Glenda Hicks to learn more about shadowing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Glenda’s email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and her phone number is 601-984-1900.
  • InformedDNA Shadowing

    InformedDNA provides clinical telehealth genetic counseling services in all 50 states. Our genetic counselors provide care in a wide variety of specialties. If you are a prospective genetic counseling student interested in virtual shadowing opportunities, please reach out to InformedDNA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • Alternatives to Shadowing

    Check out our suggestions for ways to supplement and/or enhance knowledge of genetic counseling.

    Interview a Genetic Counselor

    Aim to interview genetic counselors in different areas of the field (cancer, pediatric, prenatal, industry, other). You can find a genetic counselor by going to www.nsgc.org and clicking on ‘Find a Genetic Counselor.’

    Read the Literature

    We suggest the Journal of Genetic Counseling and Genetics in Medicine as two clinically focused primary genetics literature sources.

    Podcasts/Online Video Content

    Search ‘genetic counseling’ in your favorite podcast streaming service or online video content provider.

    Attend an Information Session

    Reach out to genetic counseling programs you are interested in and ask when they will be having an information session.

    Search Professional Organization Websites

    UAB Online Shadowing Series

    Replace the link that is currently in this box with: ‘The Virtual Shadowing Case Series is currently only available to research study participants. We invite you to participate in the research study.

Virtual Shadowing Case Series

The Virtual Shadowing Case Series is currently only available to research study participants. We invite you to participate in the research study.